Psychiatric disorders in ageing

Abstract

The ageing of the population brings particular challenges to psychiatric practice. Although the clinical presentation of common psychiatric disorders such as mood and psychotic disorders is largely similar to those in younger adults, late life presentations tend to be more complex as co-morbidity with dementia and physical illness is common. Suicide tends to increase with age in most countries. In this chapter we argue that the aetiology of disorders may be best understood within a stress vulnerability model in which neurobiological and psychosocial factors interplay. We further present that management strategies need to be comprehensive, incorporating physical, social, pharmacological, and psychological treatments appropriate to each case. We close with a call for the use of specialised multi-disciplinary services to improve the overall quality of care.